Gear up and get into the Halloween spirit with a variety of activities that allow families, adults and pets to participate in fun-filled events. Comfort is paramount so participants of all ages can opt to engage in virtual, drive-through and/or in-person events. The following 10 metro Atlanta locales will celebrate this delightfully devious holiday with pumpkin carving, costume contests, heaps of treats and free food at a museum, rooftop, activity center, restaurants and more. For a ghoulishly good time, be sure add the events to your calendar and RSVP early where applicable to ensure entry.
FOR FAMILIES
Spooky virtual events: The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) will host virtual ghoulish Halloween adventures for children ages 8-14. On Oct. 19, kids will learn how to design a haunted house using free online 3D modeling and CAD software. On Oct. 26, children will engage in a discussion about Halloween lore and participate in a Lego spooky scenes building session. All Legos can be used for this fun activity. Registration is required for both events, which are free, and take place from 4:30-6 p.m. 1315 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-979-6455, museumofdesign.org
Drive-through festivities: The 22nd annual Fall Festival of Fun at Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center will feature characters like Bob the Builder, princesses, dinosaurs and, of course, goodies from the Candy Fairy. Families will be able to wear their costumes and remain in their vehicle as treats will be handed from each station. Free. 4-8 p.m. Oct. 23. 5 Callaway Road SW, Marietta. 770-528-8875, cobbcounty.org
In-person treats: Bring a goodie bag or basket and head to Avalon to collect treats from various retailers. Participants can visit the concierge center for a map which denotes where to pick up candy. After, return the completed map for a chance to win a family prize package. Free. 10-noon Oct. 30. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000, experienceavalon.com
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
A ton of bricks: Get the festivities started with Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta’s monster mash dance party, photo spots with boo-tiful Lego creations and Halloween-themed build activities. The event, aptly called Brick-or-Treat (fun fact: Lego pieces are called bricks), will also feature child-appropriate spooky scenes, a goodie bag and more. The dance party occurs at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; all other activities are available during operating hours. Oct. 30-31. Advance tickets, which are $19.99-$31.99, are encouraged. Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. 404-848-9252, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta. For families looking to up the Halloween ante, plan a trip to Legoland New York, a theme park with seven different “lands” and its first-ever Brick-or-Treat event this year. Throughout weekends in October, guests of all ages will be greeted by Halloween characters like Count de Bricks and Zappo the Mummy. Other activities include a costume contest, trick-or-treating and lots of rides, workshops and play stations for all ages. Ticket prices vary. legoland.com/new-york.
For younger kids: Children younger than 8 can dress in a costume or their favorite outfit and enjoy face painting, carnival games, inflatables, hayrides and more at East Roswell Park Recreation Center. Activities at this Halloween fun event are free but concession goodies will be available for purchase. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 22. 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. 770-641-3705, roswellgov.com.
In good taste: Children ages 12 and younger who are dressed in a costume can enjoy a free sushi or hibachi kids meal at Nakato Japanese Restaurant. Parents will need to purchase an adult meal and there will be a limit of two free kids meals per table. This offer is available Oct. 24-31. 1776 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta. 404-873-6582, nakatorestaurant.com.
Timeout: While kids participate in creative science activities and experiments like making potions and slimy concoctions, parents can take a timeout (maybe much needed) during Discover Science Center Peachtree City’s spooky science event. Kids will receive supplies, popcorn and drinks. Kids will be permitted to eat dinner, provided by parents, onsite. $30. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 30. 2802 GA-54, Peachtree City. 678-545-1397, discoversciencecenter.com/peachtree-city-dsc.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
FOR ADULTS
Outdoor party: Gear up for a good time filled with boardwalk games and rides, a spooky dance party and costume contest at the Roof at Ponce City Market. This party, for ages 21 and older, will feature a la carte drinks like bloody frozen lemonade and specialty Halloween cocktailsa as well as boogying since a DJ will be on site. $40. 8 p.m.-midnight Oct. 30. 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 770-999-1530, poncecityroof.com.
Carve out time: During the fifth annual Pumpkin and Paella party at Cooks & Soldiers, guests will receive a pumpkin and tools to carve something spook-tacular. While fashioning a cute or scary pumpkin, paella and a glass of wine will be served. The full menu will also be available. Reservations are required; email cdally@chgrestaurants.com. $40. 5-7 p.m. Oct. 24. 691 14th St. NW, Atlanta. 404-996-2623, cooksandsoldiers.com.
FOR PETS
Happy howl-oween: Four-legged friends will have their own celebration during Hoots N Howls, a Halloween costume contest at The Battery Atlanta. A $5 entry fee is required for each dog and all proceeds will benefit animal rescue organizations. Fun for human visitors will include live music and a wide selection of merchandise from vendors. 1-4 p.m. Oct. 31. 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-494-1150, batteryatl.com.
